Two Oklahoma City High School students from each of the eight City Council wards, plus two at-large members are appointed to eight-month terms on the Youth Council of Oklahoma City.
The 18 Council members learn about the challenges and successes of local government first-hand. They'll see how local government works and take part in addressing issues related to youth through meetings, seminars and more.
The program is sponsored by the City of Oklahoma City and administered by Youth Leadership Exchange.
At large |
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Madison Reddick Intelligent. Energetic. Sensitive. All words used to describe Maddie Reddick, a member of the Bishop McGuinness Catholic High School Class of 2012. Active in her school, Maddie is Student council homeroom representative, Treasurer for the Competitive Drama Club, Latin Club Member-at-large, and a member of the Debate Club, Key Club and Clancy Club. In addition she is a varsity basketball player and varsity and club volleyball player. Within the community, Maddie has volunteered with the Regional Food Bank, Hot Dogs for the Homeless, Sister BJ’s Pantry, McGuinness Basketball and Volleyball Camp, St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Basketball Camp, McGuinness Basketball Bonanza, McGuinness Speech Festival and at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton School. All while maintaining a 4.476 GPA. Maddie feels the dropout rate and peer pressure to drink alcohol and use drugs are two critical issues for Oklahoma City Youth. |
Oliver Ting Oliver Ting, a member of the Classen School of Advanced Studies Class of 2012, is making the most of his high school years. A member of Key Club, Mu Alpha Theta and the National Honor Society, Oliver is also active in the Judicial Branch of YMC Youth and Government. Additionally, he is a member of Classen’s cross country and basketball teams. Within the community, Oliver is a member of Edmond’s Chinese International United Methodist Church where he is a preschool Sunday School teacher. A regular on the Superintendent’s Honor Roll, Oliver has been recognized for his outstanding achievements in Biology, Language Arts, Pre- calculus, Spanish III and Oklahoma History. Oliver’s concerns for Oklahoma City youth include their perceived lack of government knowledge, their susceptibility to peer pressure and their lack of involvement in community enrichment opportunities. |
Ward 1 |
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David Assaleh A member of the junior class of Putnam City North High School, David Assaleh has been described as “compassionate and patient…anything he chooses to do reflects excellence at all levels…he knows how to lead a group without dominating its creativity and purpose.” Active in his school’s organizations, David is a member both the marching and concert bands, Key Club, the National Society of High Schools Scholars and the Student Orthodox Youth Organization. Additionally he is on the varsity swimming and debate teams. His honors and recognitions also reflect his wide range of interests: All-conference and all-state swimmer, superior rating at solo and ensemble band contest and the National Forensic League Degree of Excellence…all while maintaining a 4.0 GPA. Within the community, he has volunteered at the Regional Food Bank. David is concerned about the high incidence of both suicide and obesity in Oklahoma City teens. |
Dayton Willis Dayton Willis, Putnam City West junior, brings a wide variety of abilities and experiences to the Youth Council of Oklahoma City. At Putnam City West, he has been part of every performing arts production since he entered school as a freshman. Additionally he is a member of the concert choir and has participated in dance productions. Dayton is enrolled exclusively in AP classes, and his name appears regularly on the PC West Honor Roll. He is active in the Tri-M Music Society, International Thespian Society and serves as Chamberlain of the PC West Choir. Outside school, Dayton participates in tae kwon do classes and currently holds a blue belt. This summer he divided his time between employment in the family business, and working at White Water Bay. Extremely interested in science, Dayton plans to become a chemical engineer. |
Ward 2 |
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Danielle Rhodes A joy to be around. Incredibly smart. Very enthusiastic about higher education. All phrases used to describe Danielle Rhodes, a senior at ASTEC Charter High School. Danielle is a member of the Multi-cultural Club, the Outlaw Softball Team, the Legit Dance Team, Student Council, yearbook staff, and Glee Club. Additionally she serves as basketball manager, after school secretary and as a class officer. In the community, Danielle has volunteered for Meals on Wheels, Macklanburg Community Center and for her church outreach programs. Danielle, who has maintained a 3.9 GPA, has received the VFW Post 1857 Patriot Pen Essay Contest Merit Award, the Outstanding Honors English Student Award, the Outstanding History Student Award, has been an Academic Decathlon winner and has been named to the Superintendent’s Honor Roll. Danielle would like to encourage local youth to use their productivity and to motivate them to stay in school.
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Corey Winston Corey Winston, a member of the Millwood High School Class of 2012, has taken advantage of much his school has to offer: He is class president, BPA Chapter president, as well as an officer at both the chapter and state level of FCCLA. Additionally he is a member of the Fellowship of Christian Athletes, the National Honor Society, the Millwood Leadership Corps and the Millwood Golf Team. Within the community, Corey is very active in his church, where he serves as choir director, Sunday School Secretary and Youth Council president. He has also worked with Habitat for Humanity, the National Youth Christian Council, Feed the Children, Relay for Life and Children’s Miracle Network. Corey would like to see more attention paid to school dropouts, drug use and gang violence that affect Oklahoma City teens. |
Ward 3 |
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Tiffanie Cox Tiffanie Cox, a member of the Mustang High School Class of 2011, has done much for her school and her community. Active in Campfire USA, she is currently working on WoHeLo, the highest award Campfire gives. She is also involved in Mustang’s JROTC “Bronco” Battalion and their after school and summer activities. Additionally she has been named to a Youth Leadership Conference at Oklahoma City University and will attend a leadership bowl in Washington, DC, for the second time this summer. Tiffanie, who has a cumulative GPA of 3.6, has received the Presidential Award for Community Service and has been named Superior Cadet for her second year in JROTC. Tiffanie lists three areas of concern for metro area teens: Lack of respect for our country; premarital sexual activity and sexually transmitted diseases; physical fitness and respect for their bodies.
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Megan Snodgrass Described as exhibiting “high standards of integrity, knowledge, conduct, and courtesy” Megan Snodgrass is a member of the Mustang High School Class of 2011. Very active in Mustang’s JROTC “Bronco” Battalion, Megan has served with the colorguard, the raiders and has participated in marksmanship and drill. A member of National Honor Society, she attended JROTC summer camps at Camp Gruber and Camp Clark. She has been recognized with the JROTC Superior Cadet Award, the American Legion Award for Scholastic Excellence, the National Physical Fitness Award, and was a member of the JROTC Academic team that advanced to the Junior Leadership and Academic Bowl in Washington, DC, in the summer of 2009. Megan lists youth who don’t care about politics or events in the world, a society where people no longer think for themselves, drugs and teen pregnancy as her concerns related to metro Oklahoma City teens. |
Ward 4 |
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Cody Huffine Cody Huffine, a member of the Western Heights High School class of 2012, is using his leadership abilities in many different ways. His school activities include memberships in the Western Heights Choir, Renaissance Club, National Honor Society, Key Club, Ruff NeKs Spirit Group and Student Council. Additionally, he is on the varsity baseball team and sophomore class President. In the community, Cody is a member of the Oklahoma Heritage Association Teen Board, Central Oklahoma Humane Society Teen Board and the State Superintendent of Schools’ Advisory Council. He has participated in Upward Bound, volunteered for Feed the Children, and worked with an Oklahoma Blood Institute Blood Drive. Cody, who has a 3.96 GPA, has received the Top Jet Award at Western Heights, been named to the Superintendent’s Honor Roll, earned 1st overall in Upward Bound Summer Olympics and the Most Improved Math Award from Upward Bound. Cody feels the most critical issues facing the youth of Oklahoma City are substance abuse, Pregnancy, and the lack of positive involvement within the community. |
Stephanie Terrazas “A bright, energetic leader who gets along with others.” “Always goes above and beyond in community activities.” “Dedicated to excellence in both her school and community.” All words used to describe Stephanie Terrazas, a member of the Del City High School Class of 2011. Stephanie is President of Del City’s Key Club, Vice- President of the Oklahoma Association of Student Council District 9, and a class officer, as well as being active in the National Honor Society and a member of the yearbook staff. Stephanie, who has a 3.93 GPA, has been a workshop presenter at a student council leadership conference, a Telluride Association Sophomore Seminars Finalist and a DelQuest Participant. Additionally, she is a graduate of Youth Leadership Exchange Leadership Skills Class XV. Stephanie feels the most pressing issues facing central Oklahoma youth are lack of involvement in school activities, obesity and the low number of college bound students. |
Ward 5 |
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MaryAnn Grover MaryAnn Grover is a member of the Class of 2012 at Bishop McGuinness Catholic High School, and has earned a 4.381 weighted GPA. Not content to excel just in the classroom, MaryAnn is the Student Council representative for her homeroom, on the student raffle steering committee, a Student Ambassador for the school, a member of the Spanish Club Executive Board, a member of the National Spanish Honor Society, and Bishop McGuinness’ reporter for Friday newspaper. In addition to classes in pointe, ballet, jazz and lyrical dance, MaryAnn is a graduate of Youth Leadership Exchange Leadership Skills Class XV. She is also the recipient of the Pre-AP English I Award, the Health and Wellness Medal, the Dance II Award and the Geography Award, all from Bishop McGuinness. She feels more should be done to remedy the high school dropout rates, teen pregnancy rates, and the lack of youth involvement in positive and productive extracurricular activities. |
Andy Habib “A young man that brings a good balance of discipline, focus, initiative, diligence and fun to the Youth Council.” Words from Andy Habib’s counselor at Christian Heritage Academy. Andy, a member of the Class of 2012, has a 4.0 GPA, and participates actively in Student Council, Salt and Light, where he has worked with Special Olympics and taught sixth grade Bible lessons, and National Honor Society with whom he has volunteered at the Oklahoma Blood Bank and the Regional Food Bank. A black belt in tae kwon do, Andy has been on the Headmaster’s Honor Roll every year since 7th grade and has won the Diligence Award for his continual perseverance and academic drive. Andy also plays varsity tennis and football and has won gold in the ACSI Regional Science Fair. He feels that threats to area teens include some popular music, premarital sex and gang membership. |
Ward 6 |
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Jennifer Nunez Good judgment. Mature outlook. Responsible. Team player. Strong work ethic. All words used by those who know her to describe Jennifer Nunez, member of the Capitol Hill High School class of 2012. She is a member of the varsity volleyball, cross-country, soccer and track and field teams, as well as a 6-year competitor with the Chesapeake Swim Club. She has served as class president, and been a member of the German Club, OSU Talent Search, Y-Achievers, Youth and Government, Read across Oklahoma, Spanish/Latino club, Drama Club and LULAC. She has also been an alter server and alter server trainer for Holy Angels Catholic church. A perennial name on the principal’s honor roll, Jennifer achievements in cross-country have been recognized repeatedly, and she has served as co-captain of the varsity soccer team. Additionally, she was one of 25 Oklahoma Youth and Government Delegates chosen to attend the Conference on National Affairs. Jennifer is concerned with the issues of obesity, gang affiliation and teen pregnancy And how they affect Oklahoma City youth. |
Annie Stephenson If there is such a thing as a “renaissance woman”, Annie Stephenson may be it. A member of the Oklahoma School of Science and Math Class of 2011, she is active in French Club; the cross-country team; National Honor Society, which requires her to maintain her grades and complete several hours of community service; Mu Alpha Theta, the mathematics honor society, where she tutors others in math; and the Sierra Club Student Coalition where she is a certified outings leader and participates in trail-maintenance hikes. She is also a member of the Miller Neighborhood and founder of the Miller Neighborhood Youth Project, to help more youth involve themselves in community activities. She has received the Silver Key from Scholastic Art and Writing Awards, been accepted into the Oklahoma High School Print and Drawing Exhibit at Oklahoma City University, and been named an Eleanor Kirkpatrick Franco-American Fellow for 2010. Annie feels that the top issues facing the youth of Oklahoma City are lack of community involvement, education and environmental issues. |
Ward 7 |
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Matthew Hewes Matt Hewes, a member of the Edmond Memorial High School Class of 2011, has been described as an outstanding scholar and astute observer of life around him. In addition to being a member of the EMHS National Honor Society, an officer in their Spanish National Honor Society, and a Bulldog Mentor, Matt has participated in Youth Leadership Edmond and the City of Edmond Youth Council Program. A 4.0 student, he is also a second degree black belt in taekwondo. He has been recognized for outstanding performance in Pre-AP Spanish and Pre-AP English. His name regularly appears on the Superintendent’s Honor Roll, and he has been named to the Oklahoma High School Honor Society, and an EPAS Scholar and an AP Scholar. His concerns for the youth of Oklahoma City include the high dropout rate, Political apathy and teen pregnancy. |
Aaron Jech Those who know him describe Aaron Jech, Harding Charter Prep Class of 2011, as “highly motivated to excel”, having “great character”, the “’go-to’ man” “desirous of doing his best, no matter what the obstacles”. Aaron is an officer in Harding’s National Honor Society, and a member of Student Council and the Prom Committee. He is a graduate of Youth Leadership Exchange Youth in Action Class X and attended Boys State. Named Eagle of the Month and to Harding’s Principal’s Honor Roll, Aaron also rows competitively with a group at the Chesapeake Boathouse. He sees two of his strengths as the ability to deal with unexpected issues and the fact that he enjoys solving problems with his peers. He lists obesity, peer pressure for negative behavior, and lack of self-esteem as three issues facing the youth of Oklahoma City. |
Ward 8 |
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David Ding David Ding, a member of Edmond Santa Fe High School’s Class of 2012, is making the most of his high school years. He has participated in Spanish Honor Society, debate team, marching band, wind ensemble, pit orchestra, and National Honor Society, where he is the junior representative. In addition, he has volunteered at the Children’s Hospital where he was named best volunteer of the second period, the Oklahoma Children’s Theatre and the Metropolitan Library. He has been named to the regional Coda band three times and was also an alternate for All- State Band. David, who has 4.0 GPA and is in the top 2% of his class, is also a graduate of Youth Leadership Exchange Leadership Skills Class XV. Regarding his specific concerns for Oklahoma City’s youth, he says, “The overall state of health for Oklahoma is a major issue concerning everyone, including the youth. Also, gangs are another problem given the level of poverty and the influx of gang influence from the West Coast.” |
Aslan Maleki “He is a well rounded individual.” “He is extremely well disciplined, hardworking, intelligent and self motivated.” So say the recommenders of Aslan Maleki, a member of the Putnam City North High School Class of 2011. Aslan, who has a GPA of 4.22, is a member of Francis Tuttle’s Robotics Team, National Honor Society, National Technical Honor Society, National Society of High School Scholars. Mu Alpha Theta, which he serves as vice-president, Key Club which he serves as president, Technology Student Association which he serves as vice president, and Business Professionals of America which he serves as secretary…all while being a varsity cross country runner. And his volunteer experience is equally vast: Regional Food Bank, Children’s Hospital, Martin nature Park, Saint Ann Nursing Home, Putnam City Will Rogers Elementary, Redman Triathlon, Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure, Oklahoma City Memorial Marathon, and Oklahoma City National Memorial and Museum. Aslan sees the lack of means to exercise and the lack of money management skills as two issues affecting Oklahoma City youth adversely.
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Purpose
The Youth Council of Oklahoma City provides Oklahoma City youth an effective, meaningful channel to influence decisions affecting their homes, schools, friends, and community.
Activities
The Youth Council of Oklahoma City is comprised of 18 Youth Councilors, two from each of the 8 wards and two at-large. The Youth Council members will learn about local government, its components, processes, challenges and successes.
Eligibility
Youth Council members must live in a ward of the City of Oklahoma City.
They must be juniors or seniors in the current academic year. They can apply as a sophomore for their junior year. Public, private, and home-school students of equivalent grade are all eligible.
They must have a cumulative 3.0 or higher GPA for the previous academic year.
Applicants should demonstrate an interest in government issues and community service.
To Learn More
Download a Youth Council application. New council members are chosen once a year in a process that runs from spring to early summer. This is an Adobe Acrobat file which you may print and complete to apply for a position on the Council.